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Watch St Kilda’s penguins up close thanks to a new elevated boardwalk

Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
Prime viewing opportunities of these adorable birds are now possible thanks to a new elevated viewing platform.

We’d argue the best thing to do in Melbourne is go penguin spotting. Every evening – rain, hail or shine – you can spot adorable little penguins on the shores of this coastal suburb – one of the only places in the world where you can see penguins in their natural habitat, so close to a major city. And now, you can view the little penguins for free from the newly upgraded Penguin Viewing Experience . 

a little penguin on the rocks at St Kilda
True to its name, the little penguin is the smallest penguin in the world.

Standing at just 30cm tall, these sweet birds have lived on the St Kilda breakwater since the 1970s, when the rocks created perfect nesting sites for them. The penguin parade occurs each evening at sunset, when a colony of approximately 1400 little penguins emerge from the ocean after a day hunting fish. The world’s smallest penguins return, waddling across the beach to feed their chicks and rest amongst the rocks. 

The natural phenomenon draws in kids, animal lovers and tourists alike, and the recently renovated 150-metre elevated boardwalk provides accessible, close-up views of the penguin colony as well as views across Port Phillip Bay. 

The new Penguin Viewing Experience boardwalk
The new boardwalk features warm lighting.

Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor shared her enthusiasm for the opening. “We are thrilled to welcome back family and friends to visit our penguin colony right in the heart of St Kilda. It provides a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in Melbourne."

The opening marks a major milestone in the Victorian Government’s $53 million St Kilda Pier upgrade, which includes the curved walkway, warm lighting, tiered seating, revamped community spaces and upgraded amenities near the kiosk.

The new Penguin Viewing Experience boardwalk
The project is part of the Victorian Government’s $53 million St Kilda Pier upgrade.

Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos highlighted that the new experience will boost visitors to the city. “The free penguin experience at St Kilda will bring families up close to these iconic animals and draw in thousands of visitors to our city each year."

The birds are protected by Earthcare St Kilda, a volunteer group working with Parks Victoria, and Penguin Rangers patrol to ensure everyone’s safety. The colony was given time to adjust and get comfortable with the new experience before it was opened to the public.

Little penguins on the rocks at St Kilda
The birds are protected by Earthcare St Kilda

Earthcare St Kilda president Lana Austin emphasised their dedication to the well-being of the birds. “Earthcare St Kilda has been watching over this special colony of little penguins for almost 40 years, and we’re thrilled to be able to carry on that legacy and share the joy they bring to people from around the world." 

There are two different one-hour viewing sessions for visitors: One that starts at dusk when the penguins return from the sea, and another that starts when it’s completely dark and the penguins are active and settling into their burrows. 

Each session is run by knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories and insights on the small birds and their home. Visitors are encouraged to respect the penguins by avoiding flash photography and loud noises keeping to designated viewing areas. Bookings are essential and can be made up to six months in advance.

Make an evening out of it by booking a table at one of St Kildas best restaurants. 

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
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This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

    Craig Tansley Craig Tansley
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    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

    pink lake
    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland. 

    6. Lake Lascelles 

    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.